Wednesday, July 16
Worship

[Highlights | Photo]

[Worship Bulletin | Sermon by Shawn Flory Replogle | Sermon by Dr. Leroy Solomon | Sermon by Melissa Bennett]

Shawn Flory Replogle is one of three preachers for the closing worship service, representing the Church of the Brethren. Photo by Glenn Riegel

Lee Solomon, of the Brethren Church, gives his message in costume as the Apostle Peter. Photo by Ken Wenger

CONFERENCE WORSHIP BEGINS AND ENDS WITH WATER
It began and ended with water. The waters of baptism and feetwashing flowed along with the risks taken by the 1708 Brethren in Schwarzenau, and undergirded the joy of the closing worship of the 300th Anniversary Conference of the Church of the Brethren and the Brethren Church.

The service was planned and preached by Melissa Bennett of the Church of the Brethren, Dr. Lee Solomon of the Brethren Church, and newly called Annual Conference moderator-elect Shawn Flory Replogle, of the Church of the Brethren.

Replogle recalled a minor disaster at his baptism involving a candle holder sinking to the bottom of the baptistery 25 years ago, remarking that as a teen it was hard to imagine what personal risk might be involved by choosing to follow Christ. The first Brethren, he said, experienced great risk and threat, but went ahead anyway. “They were seeking a spiritual depth at a time when a great many other people were also seeking the same thing.” He added, “A deep desire arose within them to take Jesus as seriously as possible. It wasn’t a particularly complicated desire, but it was passionate.”

Through several stories related during his message titled, “Where Are We Going?” based on Matthew 28:16-20, Replogle suggested that our baptisms take greater significance as we come to know Jesus through lives of service and faith--and that our spiritual baptism may take place years after our physical baptism.

John 13:1-10 and Galatians 2:11-14 provided the basis for Solomon’s sermon titled “Peter’s Personal Journey.” Speaking as the Apostle Peter, in costume, he recalled the shocking nature of the first footwashing in the Upper Room, as well as Paul’s rebuke when Peter drew back from breaking bread with people from other ethnic backgrounds. Footwashing, he reminded the congregation, was a symbol of God’s continuing forgiveness after the cleansing of baptism.

Melissa Bennett of the Church of the Brethren speaks on the story of the woman at the well, from John 4. Photo by Regina Roberts

The story of the Woman at the Well from John 4 was the source for “Faith Gushing Out in the World,” preached by Melissa Bennett. Speaking of the encounter with Jesus, Bennett said, “Prejudice, suspicion, scandal, a grudge for centuries, turns to compassion, trust, grace, and love.”

Noting that this is the longest conversation with Jesus recorded in the New Testament, Bennett used this story as a model for the way Jesus breaks down barriers and creates new relationships, whether in Africa or at a joint 300th Anniversary Conference, without needing study committees or official permission.

-- Frank Ramirez is pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.

A joint praise team from the Church of the Brethren and the Brethren Church leads the singing. Photo by Ken Wenger	Many worshipers are inspired by the morning's music. Photo by Glenn Riegel
The congregation listens intently to the three messages, given by the three members of the joint Church of the Brethren/Brethren Church worship team that led the closing service. Photo by Glenn Riegel	Worshipers raise hands in praise. Photo by Ken Wenger
The service also includes a dramatic reading. Photo by Regina Roberts	Organist Ron Sprunger accompanies the Conference Choir. Photo by Glenn Riegel
The Conference Choir is directed by Peter Roussakis. Photo by Regina Roberts	The praise team representing both denominations is led by Leslie Lake (center) and includes singers and instrumentalists. Photo by Regina Roberts
Lee Solomon (left) re-enacts the footwashing at the Last Supper, where Jesus kneels to wash Peter's feet. Photo by Regina Roberts	Water is carried from the worship center well to tubs set on the plaza outside the Coliseum, where worshipers are invited to place their hands in the water as a final act of blessing at the close of the Conference. Photo by Glenn Riegel
A member of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) is one of those carrying water to the basins outside the Coliseum. Photo by Glenn Riegel	Worshipers receive the blessing of water as they leave the closing service. Photo by Regina Roberts